Registration for the 2027 Carnegies will open in November 2026.
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Engaging, inspiring and free to join!
Every spring, CILIP invites reading groups from schools, libraries, and homes to join the exciting process of shadowing the Carnegie Medals – a unique opportunity for children and young people to engage with outstanding books and experience a national book award from the inside.
From mid-February (for the longlist) and mid-March (for the shortlist), shadowing invites young readers to read, discuss, and review books selected by the independent, librarian-led judging panel, helping them to develop reading for pleasure, critical thinking, and confidence in sharing their opinions.
How do groups access the books?
Shadowing groups can take part in the way that works best for them – by using discounted physical book packs from our official supplier, Scholastic, or by accessing digital editions (including free shortlisted books) via Sora.
In 2027, shadowing includes two ways to take part, making it easier than ever for groups of all ages to participate.
We want to help you decide which type of shadowing will work best for your group. Some groups may choose one option; others may engage with both.
| Age-Inclusive Longlist Shadowing | Shortlist Shadowing | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Groups of all ages | Groups able to engage with the shortlisted titles (announced mid-March) |
| Book selection | There are up to 20 books on each longlist (Writing and Illustration). You can shadow the full longlist or choose age-appropriate books from the longlist | You shadow books from the Writing and/or Illustration shortlists (up to 8 books per shortlist). |
| Book orders | Build-your-own longlist packs are available to order from Scholastic. Select specific titles from the longlists that best suit your readers. Or you can order the full longlist for writing or illustration. | Shortlist book packs can be pre-ordered from Scholastic to arrive on the day the shortlists are announced in March. |
| Digital book availability | Paid digital access for schools to the available longlisted books on Sora. | Free digital access for schools to the available shortlisted books on Sora (from mid-March) |
| Age guidance provided | Yes | Yes |
| Book pages for shadowers to write reviews | Yes | Yes |
| Shadowers’ Vote | No | Yes – vote in the Shadowers’ Choice Awards |
| Resources | Longlist-level shadowing resources for each book | Full suite of resources, videos and publicity pack materials |
| Timeframe | mid-Feb – June 2027 | mid-Mar – June 2027 |
| How to sign up | Opens November 2026 | Opens November 2026 |
Our age-inclusive longlist shadowing offer allows groups of any age – from early readers to young adults – to take part.
Group leaders can select longlisted books that are appropriate for their readers, using clear age guidance, and create a shadowing experience that works for their setting.
From mid-March, shadowing groups can also take part in our established shortlist shadowing scheme.
Shadowers read, discuss, and review books from:
Groups can choose to shadow one or both shortlists.
Shadowers share their thoughts online and take part in the Shadowers’ Choice Awards in May, voting for their favourites. The winners are revealed alongside the judges’ medals at a livestreamed ceremony in mid-June.
Participating shortlist shadowing groups receive free access to:
*Free materials can be ordered when registering for shadowing before February 2027